Asthma 

The rates of asthma have doubled over the past 20 years and Australia has the second highest prevalence of asthma in the world with one in four children affected to some degree and one in ten adults. 

What is Asthma?

Asthma is an abnormal narrowing of the airways with difficulty breathing out, usually triggered by exposure to specific allergens. Whilst it is normal for smooth muscle in the respiratory airways to constrict in response to certain stimuli, in asthmatics there is an exaggerated response to allergens. Chronic inflammation of the airway lining makes it sensitive to specific allergens which trigger over secretion of mucus, partially obstructing the airways. Symptoms of asthma can include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing out, increased heart rate, anxiety, confusion and fatigue. 

Common triggers of airway inflammation and spasm in asthmatics:

• Dust mites, pollen, cigarette smoke, mould and air pollution
• Aspirin
• Food additives
• Emotional stress
• Cold air
• Exercise

 Coincidence?

Along with the incredible increase in cases of asthma, consider the following -

• Allergies are increasing, with 54% of children in a UK study having allergic symptoms at some time
• Eczema now affects about 18% of children in the first 2 years of life
• Ear infections, uncommon 30 years ago, are now so common that 80% of children will have had at least 2 infections by the age of 3 years. 

Patterns of childhood illness are changing. The increase in these conditions reflects an underlying immune system shift from Th1 immunity to Th2 immunity, which is responsible for the release of inflammatory chemicals in the body such as histamine. 

One possible mechanism for this is that abnormal levels of gut bacteria cannot cope with invading organisms, the intestine wall becomes inflamed and permeable, and then both invading organisms and undigested food molecules can leak into the bloodstream. This is when the Th2 immune response kicks in and causes inflammation, mucus secretion, skin disruptions etc. 

Tips for treatment:

• Avoid environmental allergens such as pollen, pollution and mould that trigger an asthmatic response, for example, wash clothes after playing outside in the grass, dry washing away from pollen, avoid cigarette smoke, clean mould in showers and wet places.
• Antibiotics use is associated with the increased incidence of allergy. A single dose in pregnancy and the use of antibiotics in infancy results in increased risk of asthma.
• If you suspect a food allergy (soy and cows milk are common triggers) see a qualified health professional to assist you with testing and eliminating the culprit from your child’s diet.
• Feed the “good” bacteria (see article Gut Brain Connection). Avoid processed food, white flour and sugar. Eat plenty of fermented foods and bone broth, and take probiotic supplements if using antibiotics.